West Gambier holds a commanding position over North Sportsmen thanks to a Sam Willis century on day one at Marist Park.


Justin Dejong made a quick start before being caught off the bowling off Nick McInerney in the fourth over for 13.


Jayden Prior followed soon after for a duck after Timothy Young caught the edge of his bat.


Nuwan Gunawardana and Bray Stephenson looked more comfortable at the crease, however North struck again right when it needed to with Josh Stafford dismissing Gunawardana for 33.


Mitchell Lewis provided another breakthrough for the Tigers with Sujith Nikethana caught for 12.


Nikethana’s wicket brought Sam Willis to the crease and from there Willis and Stephenson built a massive partnership which turned the match well into West’s favour.


North Gambier’s bowlers had no answers for the pair as Stephenson and Willis scored freely.


The pair both passed the half century mark and were looking incredibly dangerous.


North finally got the wicket it needed with Stephenson run out for 79, bringing an end to a massive 124 run partnership.


Despite the loss of his partner Willis fought on as he approached triple figures, Samuel Coxon and Jack Geddes did not hang around with Willis for long, out for 10 and six respectively.


Willis brought up an incredible hundred which completely turned the match in his side’s favour.


He lost two further partnerships before the end of the day’s play with Steven and Shane Dejong scoring low totals.


West Gambier successfully batted out the 80 overs with Willis remaining unbeaten on 129 in a batting performance that was no doubt the highlight of the match.


While it was a tough day with the ball for the Tigers, Young and McInerney were the highlights both picking up three wickets each, while Lewis and Stafford picked up one apiece.


West finished 9/302 after the 80 which was a long day in the field for North Gambier and means the side has an incredibly difficult run chase ahead of it next weekend.